Ole Miss Band Gets New Uniforms for Fall

After 16 years of wearing the traditional cadet-style red and blue uniform, the University of Mississippi’s Pride of the South band will march onto the field with a new look this fall.

The new uniforms, manufactured by Stanbury Uniform Co., of Brookfield, Mo., were purchased with funds from the chancellor’s office and the university’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Designed last summer by a committee representing faculty, alumni and students, the uniforms preserve the classic look of the previous uniforms while adding a contemporary twist.

“There’s more blue in the uniform from head to toe, which creates the illusion of height,” said Bill DeJournett, Pride of the South director and associate professor of music. “The fabric is also a new lightweight material that wicks moisture and will be much more comfortable to wear in the early, hot weather games.”

The new uniforms were badly needed, DeJournett said.

“Since the average life span of a typical band uniform is eight to 10 years, the uniforms were well overdue for replacement,” he said. “Our students are extremely excited to wear the new uniforms this fall.”

Last fall, the marching band featured 290 members and is expected to be even larger this fall.

“I am excited about the new band uniforms that will be premiered at the BYU game,” said Warren Bristol, a sophomore band member from Biloxi. “I believe that the new band uniforms will bring positive recognition to the Pride of the South and the university as a whole. It speaks to the success of the Ole Miss band and to the band’s future success.”

Although the uniforms have changed, they remain custom-designed for the university, DeJournett said.

“The uniforms are designed specifically to be instantly recognizable as the Pride of the South while at the same time having a more contemporary, updated look,” he said.